Walter Jones Announces Retirement Via Twitter
by John Morgan on Feb 7, 2010 1:34 PM PST
79 comments
The greatest player to ever play for the Seahawks, the greatest left tackle in the history of the game, Walter Jones, has announced his retirement via Twitter.
I have come to the conclusion it is time for me to retire from football.
May retirement bring you a fraction of the joy you've brought Seahawks fans. We love you Walt.
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A fraction?
I hope it brings him even more joy than what he brought to Seahawks fans. I’d hope that if we’re using fractions that it’s a complex fraction.
Talents that I covet:
Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Sam Bradford, Mike Iupati, Golden Tate, Earl Thomas, and Freddie Barnes
I'm not believing this yet
He seems to mess with people via Twitter alot according to Sando. If it’s true it really is the end of an great era. I met him at the Lynnwood Red Robin three days after the 05 NFC champ. game and got to shake his hand. Or try, those are some big paws.
by Big E-Z on Feb 7, 2010 1:41 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I'm not saying that it's not true
Just that I will wait for the statement or press conference before I 100% believe it
by Big E-Z on Feb 7, 2010 1:54 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
We thought he might have been kidding because
the original tweet read “I have come to the concussion it is time for me to retire from football.” So maybe he was joking.
However, he re-tweeted later that his phone automatically finished the phrase “concussion”, which is kind of funny in itself. But that he meant “concussion.” Funny way to go out.
In five years I’m sure he’ll tweet “I’m very honored to get industrialized into the Hall of Fame.”
--Shrug
Field Gulls - The SBN Seattle Seahawks Blog
I live very close to that area. That must be the one at the mall.
Pretty cool story then.
The Seattle Times linked to my website in June 2009. I wasn't aware of this until January 2010.
I think he lives or lived in Edmonds
He was with a nerdy white guy I can only assume was his accountant. Walt was a helluva nice guy and god bless him for fitting in that booth
by Big E-Z on Feb 7, 2010 1:52 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I thought accountant or agent or something.
Seriously those 2 person booths did not look comfortable for him.
If you're leaving Big Walt, thanks, and we'll miss you.
It's Great to be a Florida Gator!
"I never met a llama I didn't like." - TJ Duckett
by Wayward Llama on Feb 7, 2010 2:13 PM PST up reply actions
I was working there that day.
I told this guy wearing a Seahawks hat in my section that Walter Jones was sitting up at a table in the bar, and he’d sign something if you asked, I even gave him a sharpie, and the table didn’t tip me. It was like an 18 year old and his dad. I thought for sure I was getting hooked up and even gave them better service than normal.
That's cool you were there. He seemed really appreciative of all the love he was getting.
He is way up there with nicest Hawks I have ever met with Bobby E, Lofa, and Nate B. Nicest out of all of them – Big play babs.
by Big E-Z on Feb 7, 2010 8:20 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Don't give Sando credit
that thousands had observed prior to his blog LOL. I think… hope really; it’s fake BTW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDUh9yboqI
Your culture is primitive; yet so funky!
by jubelthebear on Feb 7, 2010 11:45 PM PST up reply actions
Walter Junior Jones, I congratulate you on a great career
See you in Canton.
The Seattle Times linked to my website in June 2009. I wasn't aware of this until January 2010.
Man, as necessary as it is
It’s never easy to let go of a legend.
by DJ C-Raig on Feb 7, 2010 2:01 PM PST via mobile reply actions
That's just it - Seattle teams hold on waaay too long to once great players.
I love you man, but we need a young guy to fill your space effectively.
Illegible
Welp - there goes my cousin's season tickets.
It was always neat pointing to them on TV in the end zone.
What, are they getting rid of season tickets because Jones is retiring?
It's Great to be a Florida Gator!
"I never met a llama I didn't like." - TJ Duckett
by Wayward Llama on Feb 7, 2010 2:14 PM PST up reply actions
That's pretty bad ass.
It's Great to be a Florida Gator!
"I never met a llama I didn't like." - TJ Duckett
by Wayward Llama on Feb 7, 2010 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
They're going to revoke Walt's family tickets
just because he retired? Seems awfully short-sighted…
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
Eh?
Even though I’m not a huge fan Sando, I have to agree with him. I think I will wait until he makes it official with the team. Twitter is a fun way to vent and say things you do (and don’t) mean, but I will wait until it is really ’offical" and not “tweeted”.
Last Name...
Ever, first name Greatest.
www.buhnerbuzzcuts.blogspot.com
Well, if it's true, I think it's pretty obvious who is
going to raise the 12th Man Flag at the home opener this season.
A Mariners fan in Seattle
I'm at work so I can't pour out a forty for you...
But I will rotate the cucumbers in your honor. Three cheers for Big Jones. He does indeed Rock The House.
by Moresoftness on Feb 7, 2010 2:42 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Steve Largent
Was the greatest Seahawk play ever.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 4:57 PM PST reply actions
Hard to argue against a guy who is probably the best ever at his position
And an important one like LT. Largent was great but Walt is the best we have had.
by Big E-Z on Feb 7, 2010 5:05 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Largent set all the WR records when he hung it up
I don’t think Jones is the best ever at LT but he’s in the conversation.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 5:25 PM PST up reply actions
You forgot Ogden, who I think is equal with Jones and both are ahead of Pace...
Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.
by whiskey chainsaw on Feb 8, 2010 3:21 PM PST up reply actions
Better than Anthony Muñoz ?
Walt’s great should be in the Hall on the first ballot no doubt, but Largent when he retired, he held all major NFL receiving records, including: most receptions in a career (819), most receiving yards in a career (13,089), and most touchdown receptions (100).
He was also in possession of a then-record streak of 177 consecutive regular-season games with a reception. when he retired from football in 1989 he had the greatest career ever at his position.
We cannot say hands down that of Jones that he was the greatest LT ever to this day he’s in the conservation but not like head and shoulders above the rest like Largent in his era.
I can be flamed or told I am wrong for this but I will stick to my dying day that Largent was a better Seahawk than Jones.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 7:59 PM PST up reply actions
Munoz 9 time all pro.
Jones 4 time all pro.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:04 PM PST up reply actions
Not throwing out pro bowl
which is nonsense, but all pro means the AP thought that was the best player at that position that season you might not put much stock in it but it’s a decent indicator that these were great players over many seasons.
Jones is great no doubt but Largent’s the greatest Seahawk ever.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:08 PM PST up reply actions
The AP aren't the best evaluators of talent out there.
And to further elaborate, you’re trying to compare All Pro selections from different eras. Chances are if you snatched prime Anthony Munoz out of the 80s and looked at him side by side with prime Walter Jones in the late 90s to mid 2000s, Jones comes out looking like a better player.
AP All Pro selections are flawed for the same reason Cy Young voting, Gold Glove voting, and any kind of MVP voting is flawed. The people voting often are not the best judges of talent.
Fair enough
But if we are going to call Jones the best ever his era of dominance should have been longer as well.
He’s in the mix but you cannot call him the best ever and be right about it like you could if you said Roger Federer is the best tennis player ever.
My main point is Largent is the greatest Seahawk ever but if you are under 30 you probably don’t recall much of his career.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:15 PM PST up reply actions
But how do you say that, outside of personal opinion?
All you’re doing is repeating " Largent is the greatest Seahawk ever" without any support for your views. Big Walt has led us to the postseason, the SB, and was part of a monumentally good left side.
You have not supported your views
Jones was on better teams but Largent and the Seahawks went to the AFC championship game in 1984 and lost Jones went to the SB and lost.
Neither player pushed the Seahawks over the top to being world champions, You cannot point to LT and say well he’s the all time leader in X, maybe fewest sacks or most pancake blocks but that’s not a good indicator.
Largent SET the standard at his position Jones has not he does not have the longiviety of Bruce Matthews or the accolades of Munoz.
The burden of proof would be for someone to prove Jones was a better Seahawk than Largent not the other way around.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:25 PM PST up reply actions
I love Largent too..
but IF he “set the standard” statistically at the position, how come he was only awarded 3 All Pro’s? (Since they are so very meaningful.)
Jerry Rice came into the league in 1985, and was a better receiver than Largent almost immediately. Rice’s rookie year he got just short of 1000 yards. In year 2 he started an 11 year 1st team All-Pro streak.
For all of Largent’s numbers, if he entered the league today, or 20 years from now, he would just be another solid guy at best, not a pure superstar, and he’s honestly be lucky to be that. Now he’d be Bobby E part 2.
And understand, he has always been among my favorite all time. But, I’m being realistic here— he was a product of being the right guy with the right talents at the right time, not an elite talent that maximized those skills. Walt fits into the latter category.
Walter Jones was so big and strong that 20 years ago, or 20 years from now, he will still be among the finest to ever play the position from a size/strength/skill perspective.
Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.
by whiskey chainsaw on Feb 8, 2010 3:32 PM PST up reply actions
Largent was only first team all pro once
Walt was first team all pro 4 times. And for all of the records that Largent set when he retired he’s only still in the top ten of one category, he’s sixth touchdown receptions.
And to back up what you’re saying about Walt physically, the guy ran a 4.6 forty. Thats probably faster than what Largent ran. Walt is a physical freak.
For what it's worth I'd put both Tez and Walt ahead of Largent on the list of all time great Seahawks
but we’re talking about hall of fame guys, they were all amazing.
Hmm. Where I looked I saw 1983, 1985, and 1987.
But we’re splitting hairs here, the point is the point— Walt may be the best to ever play his position, and is absolutely in the argument (and still will be 20 years from now.).
Largent was the best Seahawk to play his position, and among the best of his era.
Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.
by whiskey chainsaw on Feb 8, 2010 6:39 PM PST up reply actions
Walter Jones missed out on 4 games in 2008 due to his knee, the first time he had missed games due to injury since coming into the league
During the vast majority of that stretch he was an insanely dominant tackle. Considering his position, I’d say that’s an incredibly long run of success and dominance.
Beyond that, I’m pretty sure there’s never been another tackle who had the physical tools Walter had in his career. We may never see another tackle who could move as quickly and effortlessly as he could.
Frankly he probably doesn’t get enough credit. Tackles aren’t like receivers. There aren’t easy counting stats to indicate production, so people weren’t going to notice him until the team starting having some success.
Largent had inferior QB's
he may have set an ever higher mark, he also had inferior coaches compared to Jones having Holmgren.
So you can say those things caused Largent not to get the recognition he would have had he been on a better team, let’s say the Oilers with Moon where Largent was drafted maybe we would talk about them like we do Montana and Rice.
But the facts are Jones was not noticed much until we started winning and Largent has always been underrated still Largent = the greatest Seahawk ever.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:31 PM PST up reply actions
Receivers, tailbacks, and QBs can be well regarded despite being on bad teams.
It’s much harder for people to notice a tackle because there aren’t easy to understand stats like reception yards, passing TDs, and rushing yards to evaluate them.
It's hard to put up good numbers
With bad teams at WR you may never even get the ball in a position to make a play on it, unlike RB or QB where they can have the ball in their hands whenever the coach calls a play for either.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:35 PM PST up reply actions
There is one way to quantify the value of an OT
Though it isn’t as easily understood as a TD, or Receptions. http://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/10/28/1105309/the-legacy
Also, note that he has only had 18 false starts in 180 games (he’s started all of them)
You know what jumps out at me on that chart?
2006. The first year of injured Matt and way too much Seneca.
You guys are all certainly entitled to your opinion
on greatest Seahawk ever I just say it’s Largent, it’s not worth fighting over I think I’ve more than made my case.
The bigger issue at hand is getting our next LT because Walter does leave a big void on our team.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 7, 2010 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
RE: I think I've more than made my case...
No, see, you haven’t made your case. You’ve repeated your opinion and cited receiving records, but that’s not swaying anybody. I love Largent too and think he was an outstanding Seahawk, but the reality is that he didn’t have a major impact on EVERY offensive snap the way Walt did.
Largent wasn’t always the primary receiver of a drawn-up play, and he wasn’t a pivotal blocker on run calls. Jones was there to protect our QBs and to seal off the edge for runs. It’s not a coincidence that Alexander’s best years came when he was eating up yards running to the left behind Walt and Hutch…
You’re attempting to tell people their subjective opinion is wrong because it’s different from your subjective opinion, and even if that was possible I think you’ve chosen the wrong side of the argument when you consider down-to-down, game-to-game, season-to-season impact on the quality of Seattle football (as opposed to personal records/performance milestones). :)
by CortezKennedy4Prez! on Feb 8, 2010 2:09 PM PST up reply actions
Again your opinion
Which is wrong but hey thanks for your two cents that I don’t believe.
by A'Seahawks_Warriors on Feb 8, 2010 2:26 PM PST up reply actions
Isn't it refreshing in today's NFL
to see a guy not only dominate his position for so long, but to do it with a single team?
Also: What does this mean for the teams cap situation? What kind of impact does this actually have at this point?
Bring Your Game, Leave Your Name.
There is no cap at the moment.
But I believe it saves the Seahawks 7-8 million next year.
Now with more lemon bars!
$7.3 million, I think.
Talents that I covet:
Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Sam Bradford, Mike Iupati, Golden Tate, Earl Thomas, and Freddie Barnes
by Carl Shinyama on Feb 7, 2010 7:51 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks for the memories Walt
Definitely the greatest player to put on a seahawk uniform.
Thanks, Walt.
Skipping the absurdity of a Twitter retirement, you’re the best that ever did it, and I’m glad I got to watch you dominate DEs for 11 years.
by Spider Jerusalem on Feb 7, 2010 9:59 PM PST reply actions
Thanks Walt
You were my favorite Seahawk for a long time. I am glad to see you go on your own terms.
Give me an offensive line or give me death!
Not being a dyed-in-the-wool football guy,
I’ll gladly praise Walt in the best way I know how. Whenever I watched a game with him playing, I paid more attention to what was going on with the O-Line than what was going on with the backs. I don’t know if any other O-Lineman could do that.
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
I will miss you Walt.
It’s a shame you could never get the ring you so deserved.
Also a die-hard Hawks fan.
Can we stop arguing particulars and just honor the man?
Show Walter respect and save the arguments for another day.
by John Morgan on Feb 9, 2010 12:20 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
What he said.
Bird Law in this country isn't governed by reason.
by whiskey chainsaw on Feb 9, 2010 9:57 AM PST up reply actions
Congrats on a HOF career
I disagree on the best ever Seahawk but there is no denying that he is an amazing player who should go to the HOF on the first ballot (he’s my #3 behind Hutchinson and Largent).
Falcons, Seahawks, Huskers!
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